On Sunday 29 September 2019, ACYA put on a memorable concert at the Zenith Theatre commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Gomidas Vartabed.

The keynote speaker, Very Reverend Father Yeremia Abgaryan told of the highs and lows of Gomidas Vartabed’s life. He singlehandedly laid the foundations for Armenia’s classical tradition as a collector and arranger of folksongs. Gomidas himself was a victim of the 1915 persecution, and though he survived physically, he was driven into madness by it.

With a program that followed Gomidas’ life through drama, song and dance, director and maestro Boghos Keleshian delivered a mesmerising program that included some beautiful arrangements sung by the Senior Choir.

The evening ended with an address by Archbishop Najarian congratulating ACYA and Boghos for putting together such a beautiful production.